There was a sudden stir in the International Space Station due to ‘toxic smell’, then Sunita Williams ensured the safety of all the astronauts.
Science News Desk – There was a sudden commotion in the International Space Station (ISS). During this time, Sunita Williams was also present there and to save everyone from this trouble, Sunita Williams herself took command. Suddenly ‘poisonous smell’ started spreading on the ISS. Due to this suspicious smell, all the astronauts present in space became alert on 23 November. The incident occurred when Russia’s Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft docked with the station’s Poisk module. When Russian astronauts opened the hatch of the cargo spacecraft they felt a strange and ‘poisonous smell’. Along with this, they also saw small liquid drops. After this, immediately being alert, he closed the hatch of the Poisk module and also isolated the affected area from the rest of the station. The crew, led by ISS Commander Sunita Williams, then implemented safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone on the station.
NASA and Roscosmos actions
NASA and Roscosmos activated air-scrubbing systems throughout the station immediately after the incident. Trace Contaminant Control Subassemblies (TCCS) were deployed in the US segment, while the Russian segments turned on their additional purification systems. The crew then monitored air quality wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). NASA flight controllers confirmed the next day that the station’s atmospheric levels had returned to normal by November 24. NASA issued a statement saying there were no safety concerns for the crew and all activities were going as planned. Immediate action was taken in this matter and the situation was soon brought under control. However, it is not known where this poisonous smell came from. At present investigation is going on in this matter.
Suspense regarding smell
Investigators are trying to determine whether the smell came from inside the Progress spacecraft or from the vestibule connecting it to the station. Progress MS-29 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 21 and brought food, fuel and other essential supplies to the station. This spacecraft will remain attached to the ISS for six months and will eventually return to Earth with the waste.
challenging situation of astronauts
This incident once again presented a new challenge for the astronauts working on the ISS. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded since June due to Boeing Starliner launch delays, have been living on strict rationing. In this, their sweat and water from toilet is also being recycled. A SpaceX Dragon mission for their return is proposed for early 2025.
No impact on mission operations
This incident was certainly worrying, but it had no impact on the operation of the station. NASA and Roscosmos took immediate action to ensure that the situation was handled without taking any risks. This incident demonstrates the capability and alertness of the mission teams and crew in space.
Important lessons for the future of the ISS
This toxic smell incident made it clear that unexpected challenges can arise at any time in a space mission. The level of preparedness of space agencies and crews to deal with these determines the success of the mission. This incident shows how important flexibility and quick decision making is in projects like the ISS.
